Executive Director, Internal Controls – Global Financial Governance and Compliance Leader for a Dynamic Contract Research Organization

Introduction to Fortrea

Imagine being part of a global contract research organization (CRO) that is revolutionizing the way pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies bring life-changing treatments to market. At Fortrea, we are passionate about scientific rigor and have decades of clinical development experience. With operations in over 90 countries and a presence in more than 20 therapeutic areas, we are transforming drug and device development for partners and patients worldwide. Our mission is to help our clients bring the miracles of medicine to market sooner, and we are seeking a talented and experienced Executive Director, Internal Controls to join our team.

Job Overview

As the Executive Director, Internal Controls, you will play a critical role in leading the design, implementation, and maintenance of our global financial internal controls framework. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable requirements under SOX and will partner with various leaders in finance, operations, internal and external auditors, and third-party vendors as needed. Your expertise will be instrumental in fostering collaboration and driving significant cross-functional change in a dynamic environment. If you are a seasoned professional with a passion for financial governance and compliance, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership that facilitates a culture of embedding SOX compliance in the day-to-day operations across the organization by developing relationships with leadership to understand the business and risks, educating management on SOX requirements, and providing guidance to enhance the control environment.
• Collaborate closely with control and process owners to develop and implement remediation plans for identified control deficiencies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design internal controls in new systems, incorporating automated controls wherever possible.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify key controls, evaluate control design effectiveness, and assess the overall control environment, aligning with industry best practices and regulatory standards.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors and senior management to communicate the status of SOX compliance efforts.
• Collaborate closely with Internal Audit on control design, control testing, and remediation.
• Perform assessments of the SOX impact of new transactions, changes in processes and procedures, system implementations, and new accounting standards.
• Responsible for engaging control and process owners to maintain documentation relevant to the SOX program such as narratives, flowcharts, and risk assessments.
• Communicate required changes to all control and process owners as needed, and provide ongoing training in areas of controls, policies, and procedures, and SOX compliance.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 14 years of relevant experience in finance or business, with at least 10 years of technical experience in SOX compliance and implementing internal controls.
• Experience in implementing and leading successful SOX internal controls design and operating effectiveness programs at large, complex multinational organizations.
• Experience overseeing compliance with all SOX controls, including reporting, general ledger, revenue accounting, receivables, fixed assets, payables, payroll, tax, treasury, and equity.
• Detailed knowledge of SOX and US GAAP accounting.
• Strong leadership skills, including demonstrated experience influencing significant change cross-functionally in complex organizations.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Critical thinking and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, or CIA.
• CRO industry experience; external audit experience with a Big 4 or large regional accounting firm is a plus.
• Experience with US GAAP ASC 606 for Revenue Recognition is a plus.

What We Offer

At Fortrea, we offer a competitive salary range of $170,000-$240,000, depending on your skills and experience. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life, STD/LTD, 401(K), ESPP, paid time off (PTO) or flexible time off (FTO), and company bonus where applicable. We are committed to providing a collaborative workspace where personal growth is nurtured, enabling you to make a meaningful global impact.

Our Culture and Values

At Fortrea, we are dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We believe in cultivating a workspace where all employees can thrive, and we strive to reflect the communities we serve. Our mission is to help our clients bring the miracles of medicine to market sooner, and we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of patients worldwide.

How to Apply

If you are a motivated problem-solver and creative thinker who shares our passion for overcoming barriers in clinical trials, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application by November 18th, 2024, and take the first step towards a rewarding new role. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome applications from diverse candidates and are committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Fortrea is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive for diversity and inclusion in the workforce and do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind. We make employment decisions based on the needs of our business and the qualifications of the individual and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, family or parental status, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, personal appearance, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Conclusion

Join our exceptional team at Fortrea and embark on a rewarding career journey. As the Executive Director, Internal Controls, you will play a critical role in shaping our global financial internal controls framework and ensuring compliance with applicable requirements. With your expertise and leadership, you will be instrumental in driving significant cross-functional change and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Apply now and take the first step towards a challenging and rewarding new role.

Apply Now